The Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride has today launched a new guide to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The guide, Carbon Monoxide: Are You at Risk?, is available to download from nidirect.

Launching the guide, Dr McBride said: "Carbon monoxide poisoning causes a number of deaths and hospital admissions each year in Northern Ireland. The recent tragedy in Castlerock is a stark reminder that carbon monoxide can be lethal.

"It is vital that we are all vigilant to ensure that we are protected from its dangers. That is why the Department of Health has produced a new guide which is available from today on Nidirect.

"Of course prevention is always better than cure, and the guide contains important information about measures that can be taken to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from occurring.

Dr McBride continued: "Carbon monoxide poisoning is often called the silent killer because you cannot see or smell the gas. It is important that the public is aware of the symptoms, because it can easily be confused with other common conditions. The guide provides clear, simple information on how to spot the warning signs."

The guide will complement other measures that are currently being taken in Northern Ireland to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning; help people to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and help health professionals and the public to spot the warning signs.

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

2. The guide, Carbon monoxide: are you at risk?, is available to download from nidirect.